John William was born on June 28, 1920, in a small town south of Pittsburgh named Clarksville. He was the son of William T. and Lucy (Dalby) Pyle. He graduated from Donora High School in 1938, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mansfield University in 1942 and in 1953, earned his master's degree from Ithaca College.

He was a veteran of World War II. While serving in the U.S. Army, John married the former Dorcas Eichelberger on Feb. 2, 1945, in Washington D.C. They shared 52 years together before her passing in 1997. John was employed as a music teacher and band director for more than 30 years, until retiring in 1979. He first taught in Mount Jewett, and later in the Stroudsburg schools.

In his formative years, John was well known as an excellent trumpet player and played with several orchestras and bands. After retirement, John and his first wife lived in Titusville, Fla., for 20 years. On June 12, 1999, John married the former Sibyl (McMurray) Stump in Lititz. They moved to the Windfall area and wintered in Florida.

John enjoyed doing many things in life, but special to him were times spent with family and friends. He was an avid gardener who also enjoyed fishing, woodworking and playing cards. He attended the First Baptist Church in Troy.

Surviving are his wife, Sibyl; a son, Thompson (Kathy) Pyle of New Kent County, Va.; a stepdaughter, Corinne Fairbarin of Lititz; two grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorcas.

Calling hours took place Saturday, May 4, at Troy First Baptist Church. A memorial service followed, with his pastor, the Rev. Garry Zuber, officiating. Interment was at McKean Memorial Park in Bradford.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider a memorial in Mr. Pyle's name to First Baptist Church, 579 Canton St., Troy, PA 16947; or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements were in the care of Pepper Funeral Home in Canton. Share online condolences at pepperfuneralhomes.com.